We’re tantalisingly close to seeing commercial space flights as Virgin Galactic has been given Federal Aviation Administration approval to launch its services.

The first flight won’t be until the end of this year, but in comparison to how long we’ve been waiting for this development, it’s hardly any time to wait! Around 600 people have already reserved their $250,000 seats for the zero gravity flights on SpaceShipTwo.

“Our team is working hard to begin routine and affordable space launches from Spaceport America and this agreement brings us another step closer to that goal,” said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides.

The FAA agreement outlines how the Virgin Galactic Spaceport America base in New Mexico will coordinate with normal air traffic control systems. It also has a similar agreement for the state of California where it recently completed a third successful test flight over the Mojave Desert.

Branson has previously said he and his family will be on Virgin’s first space flight.

Fancy jetting off into space? Well if $200,000 is pocket change to you, then join the other 700 people who have already booked Virgin Galactic’s first commercial flights.

Virgin boss, Sir Richard Branson, said that the flights will be ready for blast off ‘within months’.

Speaking at a United Arab Emirates’ government summit, he said that US authorities are likely to grant a commercial aviation license within three months.

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShip 2 recently completed a third successful rocket-powered test over the Mojave Desert. Sir Richard said the “ultimate end-game for Virgin Galactic” is to run rocket-powered flights between London and Australia cutting flight times by over 80%.

“Obviously if we could fly to Australia in a couple of hours, that would give us a massive advantage over anybody else” he said, cautiously adding that the reality of point to point Virgin Galactic flights is well over a decade away.

For a pretty exciting promo video of how it works, go to the Virgin Galactic website (where you can also book tickets!).